What is the average cost of full interior painting in Ottawa in 2026?

Full interior painting in Ottawa typically ranges from $3,500-$8,000 for an average 1,500-2,000 sq ft home, with most homeowners paying around $5,000-$6,500 for professional work including materials and labor.

The cost breakdown depends heavily on your home's size, ceiling height, and finish quality. For Ottawa's market, expect to pay $2.50-$4.50 per square foot for walls and ceilings combined when hiring professional painters. This includes primer, two coats of quality paint, minor prep work, and cleanup. Homes with standard 8-9 foot ceilings fall on the lower end, while homes with vaulted ceilings, extensive trim work, or multiple colors push costs higher.

Material costs represent about 25-30% of the total project in Ottawa. Quality interior paint runs $45-$80 per gallon, with premium brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams being popular choices among local contractors. A typical home requires 8-12 gallons depending on size and existing wall colors. Darker colors often need additional primer coats, increasing material costs by 15-20%.

Labor rates in Ottawa range from $40-$65 per hour for experienced painters, with most professionals charging by square footage rather than hourly. The city's competitive market keeps rates reasonable compared to Toronto, though finding quality painters during peak season (April-September) can be challenging. Many Ottawa painters book 4-6 weeks out during busy periods.

Factors affecting your final cost include the age of your home, current wall condition, and scope of prep work needed. Ottawa's heritage homes in areas like the Glebe or New Edinburgh often require extra prep due to multiple paint layers or plaster repairs, potentially adding $1,000-$2,000 to the project. Post-war bungalows in Alta Vista or Elmvale typically need less prep work, keeping costs closer to the average range.

Additional considerations that impact pricing include moving furniture ($200-$400 if you need this service), ceiling painting (adds 20-30% to wall-only quotes), and trim/door painting (typically $25-$45 per door, $8-$15 per linear foot of trim). Most contractors include basic wall washing and minor hole filling, but extensive repairs are quoted separately.

Professional vs DIY considerations: While DIY can save $2,000-$4,000 in labor, professional painters complete the job in 3-5 days versus 2-3 weekends for most homeowners. They also provide warranties (typically 2-3 years) and proper surface preparation that ensures longevity.

Next steps: Get quotes from 3-4 licensed painters, ensuring they're WSIB-covered and provide detailed written estimates. Spring booking (February-March) often yields better rates than peak season pricing. Browse verified contractors in our directory to find experienced Ottawa painters with strong local reputations.